Gröninger Fass

Gröninger Fass is a giant wooden barrel housed in the cellar of Jagdschloss Spiegelsberge with impressive dimensions of 9.4 meters in length and 6 meters in diameter. The barrel was made from 92 oak staves and had a capacity of 144,000 liters, making it a remarkable example of historical craftwork.

The barrel was commissioned in 1594 by Duke Heinrich Julius of Brunswick-Luneburg and built by cooper Michael Werner from Landau. Its creation represented a costly undertaking that showcased the woodworking techniques of the 16th century.

The barrel grew from a competition among German nobles in the 16th century who built enormous wine vessels to show their wealth and power. This tradition of display barrels was a sign of princely prestige and economic strength.

The barrel is located in the castle's cellar rooms and can be viewed during guided visits, with visitors advised to wear sturdy footwear and bring jackets for the cool underground environment. Group visits require advance arrangement to ensure a smooth experience.

The barrel remained the oldest surviving giant wine barrel of its kind until 2019 when it lost its record status. This remarkable longevity makes it one of the few remaining witnesses to this elaborate tradition of the early modern period.